Types of Steel

Steel comes in several varieties, each with its own physical and chemical properties. They are classified according to their alloying elements and the percentage of carbon they contain. The least carbon-containing steel fabricator is called low-carbon steel. Low-carbon steel is the most common type. Low-carbon steel is also known as alloy steel. Galvanized steel is another type of steel. This type has a zinc coating on it. This coating provides a high-quality finish.

Carbon steel

Carbon steel is a form of steel with a carbon content of 0.05 to 2.1 percent by weight. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, this type of steel can be used for a wide range of purposes. Its carbon content makes it a great material for high-strength, high-quality structures. There are many types of carbon steel available. Learn more about the different types. Also, see a list of the properties of carbon steel.

Carbon steel is a popular metal alloy composed of iron, silicon, and carbon. It is also known as low-carbon steel, which has a carbon content of less than 0.25 percent. Low-carbon steel can be hardened through cold-working and heat treatment, but is comparatively soft and has low strength. Its ductility makes it excellent for welding and machining, and it is an economical choice.

Low-carbon steel

Low-carbon steel is used for a wide variety of applications, including carburizing, machining, and wear resistance products. It is also appropriate for applications where increased toughness is required, such as small shafts, plunges, and highly loaded gearing. Low-carbon steels with up to 1.5% Mn content can achieve improved corrosion resistance. They are not recommended for boilerplate, seamless tubes, or stampings.

Low-carbon steel has a Brinell hardness of around 120 MPa. This hardness is measured in MPa and is used to measure the resistance of steels to scratches and indentations. In engineering terms, hardness is important, as it indicates a material's resistance to wear, deformation, and abrasion.

Alloy steel

As the name suggests, alloy steel is made of steel that has been alloyed with different elements to increase its mechanical properties. There are two basic types of alloy steel: low alloy steel and high alloy steel. However, there is some debate over which type of steel is better for a given application. Low alloy steels have high carbon content, and these are generally preferred for structural applications.

Carbon content, which is a constituent of alloy steels, determines the maximum surface hardness achievable. However, higher carbon content can increase the risk of cracking during quenching. Alloy steels also contain various alloying elements that affect their hardenability, toughness, and machinability. For example, lead additions improve machinability of alloy steels. Calcium-treated steels also increase tool life.

Galvanized steel

Galvanized steel is a type of steel that has been coated with a protective zinc coating. This coating prevents the metal from rusting. Galvanizing is done in one of several methods, including hot-dip galvanizing, in which parts are submerged in a hot bath of molten zinc.

The use of galvanized steel makes it environmentally responsible and sustainable. Over 80% of the metal produced is still in use, meaning that it can be recycled over again. This makes it a more eco-friendly option than plastic. Plastic is only recyclable once, while metal can be recycled two to three times. Galvanized steel is used for many purposes, including steel frame buildings, fences, and outdoor steel structures.

The most common use of galvanized steel is in the construction industry, including residential and commercial buildings. It is an increasingly popular choice in modern architecture. Not only are buildings constructed of galvanized steel, but fences, rails, and tubing are also coated in this material. Galvanized steel can even be used for telephone wiring and equipment boxes, reducing the risk of damage.